Every state in the country has an alcohol beverage control agency that regulates the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and retail sale of alcoholic beverages. There are no unrestricted free markets for alcohol sales in any state.

In Ohio, the Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is responsible for controlling the manufacture, distribution, licensing, regulation, and merchandising of beer, wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor as the law is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code Chapters 4301. and 4303.

Bruce Stevenson is the Superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control and has served Ohio’s mission of responsible consumption of alcohol beverages for the past 19 years. Prior to being named Superintendent, Mr. Stevenson was responsible for the issuance and renewal of the manufacturer; wholesale distributor and retail permit licenses as Deputy Superintendent of the Division’s Licensing Section. He was Chief of the Permit Division from 1993-1997 and Chief of the Beer and Wine Division from 1991-1993.

Prior to joining the Division, Mr. Stevenson worked for Gold Circle Stores in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Stevenson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Youngstown State University.

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Agency Operations

The Division of Liquor Control manages a system of agency stores, called “Contract Liquor Agencies,” for the wholesale and retail sale of spirituous liquor. Spirituous liquor is intoxicating liquor containing more than 21% alcohol by volume. The Division selects products and sets the prices at which the Contract Liquor Agencies sell to licensed retailers and consumers.

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Liquor Permits

The Division of Liquor Control issues new licenses, renews licenses annually, and approves license transfers for Ohio’s approximately 25,000 private businesses that are alcohol manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, and organizers of special events where alcohol is sold.

The Division registers all beer, wine, and mixed beverages (containing 21% alcohol by volume or less) products for sale in Ohio. This section also registers out-of-state suppliers and all salespersons of beer, wine, and mixed beverage products.

Below on the left are various Retail Liquor License Applications offered by the state of Ohio. In addition you may need to file additional forms, located below on the right, depending on the type of transaction and/or business entity, in order to assist the division with processing your application.

Below on the left are various Applications that can be completed if you are transferring an existing liquor permit. You may also need to file additional forms located below on the right, depending on the type of transaction and/or business entity, in order to assist the division with processing your application.

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Investigations & Compliance

The Investigative Services Unit of the Investigations & Compliance Section is responsible for the physical inspection of all liquor permit applicants and licensed permit holders in order to verify compliance with the liquor laws and regulations of the State of Ohio. They also conduct investigations regarding the operation of licensed permit premises for the purpose of determining compliance and enforcement of Ohio's administrative laws regarding beer and intoxicating liquor. Criminal provisions of the law, such as underage sales, are enforced by the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Investigative Unit.

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Liquor Control

Every state in the country has an alcohol beverage control agency that regulates the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and retail sale of alcoholic beverages. There are no unrestricted free markets for alcohol sales in any state.

In Ohio, the Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control is responsible for controlling the manufacture, distribution, licensing, regulation, and merchandising of beer, wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor as the law is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code Chapters 4301. and 4303.

Regulatory Functions

The Division of Liquor Control regulatory function is based in our permitting process. Annual licensing is required for businesses that provide alcoholic beverages for consumption as a manufacturer, distributor or retailer, and in some cases an event promoter. In some cases, the numbers of permits issued (also known as licenses) are limited by quota based on the population of the area. In all cases, local community input is encouraged and considered during permitting and renewal of permits.
The Division works with local law enforcement and the Department of Public Safety Investigative Unit to ensure compliance with Ohio law.

Products

The Division manages wholesale and retail operations with the goal of increasing profits without encouraging increased consumption. Profits from spirits provide dedicated funding for Ohio’s economic development efforts.
The Division, on behalf of the non-profit JobsOhio, is the sole purchaser and distributor of spirituous liquor (intoxicating liquor containing more than 21% alcohol by volume) in Ohio. The Division selects and prices the products, and supplies them to “authorized agents” at no charge. Authorized agents are private businesses which own and operate retail outlets selling other goods and services to the public, such as beer, wine and low proof spirituous liquor, bread, milk, and other grocery items. The agents contract to sell the spirituous liquor products for commission based on sales.
There are currently about 450 liquor agencies throughout the state.